Somaliland: Time for African Union Leadership

"The dispute between Somaliland and Somalia will become an ever-increasing source of friction, and possibly violence, unless the African Union (AU) engages in preventive diplomacy. The self-declared Republic of Somaliland is marking fifteen years since it proclaimed independence from Somalia, and if Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) expands its authority across the shattered country, the dispute over Somaliland’s status is likely to become an ever-increasing source of friction. The AU should appoint a Special Envoy to consult with all relevant parties and report on the legal, security and political dimensions of the dispute and offer options for solutions within six months. Its Peace and Security Council should organise an informal consultation round with eminent scholars, political analysts and legal experts. Pending final resolution of the dispute, Somaliland should be granted interim observer status at the AU."

source-http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm

dispare

i don't know where to go this summer, every country i think about it's too expensive! i don't know where to go.so many country, so few time and money.

New independent country in Europe!

After yeasterday referedum the indepence suporters won. if everything is going ok, Europe is going to have in a few time a new country, i am talking about Montenegro. The only republic that didn't leave Serbia in the old Yougoslavia is now moving to independence. So, there is going to be a new country to visit in Europe. i hope that this way to independence will go calmly and no crisis will come from this. If the majority is in favour of independence they should be independent.
http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/yugoslav.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro

Image of the week

"The south-western area of the Republic of Kazakhstan is captured in this Envisat image, which highlights the south-western province of Mangistau and the Caspian Sea. With an area of 2.7 million square kilometres, Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest nation in the world – the size of Western Europe. It borders Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to the south and the Caspian Sea to the west. Prior to gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan was part of the former USSR.
The Mangyshlak Peninsula (the tip of which is seen in the lower left across from the half-moon shaped island) is often referred to as a treasure peninsula because it has a wealth of mineral deposits, including coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, uranium and gold.
Petroleum and natural gas, however, are the main riches of the peninsula. Production of oil in Mangyshlak is expected to increase with the planned sinking of new oil wells in Buzachi, located in the northernmost cape of Mangyshlak. Advanced methods of oil extraction are needed in Buzachi because the oil’s high viscosity makes it difficult to extract, despite it occurring at relatively small depths of 300-1 000 metres.
In 2001, the Caspian Consortium pipeline opened from western Kazakhstan's Tengiz oilfield to the Black Sea. And work has begun, in cooperation with China, on the construction of an oil pipeline that will extend from the Caspian coast eastward to the Chinese border.
Also located in Kazakhstan is the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Russian-operated space launch facility, in the south-central part of the country about 200 km east of the Aral Sea near the town of Tyuratam. The former Soviet Union intentionally gave the launch facility the misleading name of Baikonur, which is a mining town located about 320 km northeast of the space centre, to conceal the actual location of the site.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome will be the launch site of MetOp-A, developed by ESA in collaboration with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Scheduled to launch on 17 July 2006, MetOp-A will be Europe's first polar-orbiting satellite dedicated to operational meteorology.
This image was acquired by Envisat’s Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) in August 2005. "
http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMONC9ATME_index_0.html

the more p,nb and less p.n.b in europe

Yeasterday was divulged results of a eurostat study about rich and poor regions in E.U.. for 2003. The acceptable value for a region is 75% Portugal, my beautifull country has 4 regions under this value that means that is very bad. The study also considers very good if a region has more than 125%. The poorest region of E.U 15 is the Portuguese region of Norte, the north of Portugal bordering the Spanish region of Galicia and Castilla Leon.

the 10 richest regions per capita in E.U. are: The 1o poorest regions in E.U. are:

Inner London (UK) Lubelskie (PL)
Bruxelles-Capitale (BE) Podkarpackie (PL)
Luxembourg Podlaskie (PL)
Hamburg (DE) Świętokrzyskie (PL)
Île de France (FR) Warmińsko-Mazurskie (PL)
Wien (AT) Opolskie (PL)
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire (UK) Észak Magyaroszág (HU)
Provincia Autonoma Bolzano (IT) Východné Slovensko (SK)
Oberbayern (DE) Eszag-Alföld (HU)
Stockholm (SE) Dél-Alföld (HU)

If you analise the top ten regions you will se that 6 of this regions are capital region including Luxemburg that only has one region.
The two german regions that have greater pnb are located in the west, being Hamburg an autonomus city in the north and
Oberbayern the region in the south wich Munique is the biggest city.Berkshire,Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire are located in the South East near London.
Bolzano is in the north of Italy bordering Austria.

Analising the top 10 of few p.n.b you find 6 Polish regions and 3 in hungary and 1 in Slovakia. 5 of this regions are the most East regions bordering Ucraine and Bielorrussia and Russia. The only exception is Opolskie that is in the south a bit more west and borders Tcheque Republic.
the Hungarina regions are also the most eastern regions bordering Ukrain, Romenia, Servia and Slovakia.
The Slovake region is also in the East bordering poland and Ukrain


A good exercise is to map and compare the values in europe and see wich parts of the countries are richer and poorer.
in Spain the bordering regions with Portugal are the poorest being the Extremadura the poorest of all. you can say that the west of, more far away from the center of Europe is poorer than the west.
In Italy the diference is not so much west-east but is more North South. the poorest region in Italy is the South region of Calabria.
In France Corse and Languedoc-Roussillon are the poorest if you don't count with the outre-mer departements( this 5 departments of France are under 75%, being the poorest the French Guiana with 57.6%.)
In Germany the East is poorer than the West and in the U.k the West has less P.N.B than the East.
europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/

Côte d'Ivoire - Crisis Watch

"The four-year crisis in Côte d’Ivoire could finally end if the government of national reconciliation continues to make progress toward presidential elections, meant to occur before 31 October. However, no political actors have yet given up the capacity for violence or committed themselves irrevocably to elections they may lose. The government should embark on a nationwide campaign to inform the public of necessary preparations, including identifying citizens entitled to vote and disarming and reintegrating ex-combatants. Major donor support is needed for all these steps. Prime Minister Banny should continue an inclusive dialogue with all political actors and social sectors to mobilise opinion behind the government and should continue working with President Gbagbo, who may be tempted to delay elections to prolong his power. If concrete results are achieved in the next few months, peace may finally be within reach."

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/cote_divoire_ref04.jpg

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm

"Afghanistan’s New Legislature: Making Democracy Work"

International Crisis Group report Afghanistan

"The fledgling National Assembly can play a vital role in stabilising Afghanistan and holding President Karzai’s administration accountable but only if it gives voice to the country’s diverse population and gets major help from international actors. Its oft-delayed inauguration in December 2005 completed formation of the country’s main governing bodies but marked more the beginning of a political transition than its end. The parliament has potential to draw the regions to the centre in a way that has never happened before but if it is considered impotent, citizens are likely to lose faith in democratisation. Unfortunately the Karzai administration appears to calculate that a weak, fragmented body would mean more power for itself rather than a loss for the country. The executive and legislative branches must not approach their relationship as a zero sum game." in http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=4108

image from www.worldpress.org/ profiles/afghanistan.cfm

ESA-image of the week EL Salvador

Last week i showed the vulcano image of Peru, this week the image of the week is of San Salvador,about 65 km west of San Salvador.
this vulcano last erupted in 2005 killing 2 peoples.

international crisis group weekly resume

This week there were two important breefings about two situations in the world that have now a good oportunity of getting better. this two situtions are Haiti( carabean country in the west side of hispañola island bordering Domenican Republic where passing the year there has been great problems because of corruption and the difference between rich and pour and also forener influence) and Nepal (this country is located in the Himallays in Asia between China and India, two superpowers of the region, had problems involving the king that wanted to abolish democracy and the maoist that want a maoist state)

Haiti-"If René Préval, who is to be inaugurated as president on 14 May, acts decisively in his first 100 days and receives international backing, he can capitalise on an improved security situation to address some of the underlying causes of violence and crime. His government needs to disarm and demobilise gangs and strengthen the Haitian National Police (HNP) by professionalizing it and purging it of corrupt officers and politically-linked cells. The judicial system must also be overhauled, beginning with establishment of a joint international/national panel to review the cases of prisoners detained for long periods without trial. Haitians have high expectations that the new elected government will quickly improve their lives, and Préval needs to take advantage of a rare moment of optimism or the much suffering country could become the hemisphere’s first permanent failed state."

Nepal-"King Gyanendra’s capitulation on 24 April 2006 in the face of a mass movement marked a victory for democracy in Nepal and, with a ceasefire between the new government and the Maoists now in place, the start of a serious peace process. Forced to acknowledge the “spirit of the people’s movement”, Gyanendra accepted popular sovereignty, reinstated parliament and invited the mainstream seven-party alliance to implement its roadmap – including election of a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution in line with the parties’ five-month-old agreement with the Maoists. The international community lost credibility by attempting to pressure the parties into an unworkable compromise with the king and must now work hard to support a difficult transition and peace process while avoiding similar mistakes."

source:http://www.crisisgroup.org/
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/map_collection_guide.html

ESA-image of the week Malasya

The image of the week of Esa is from part of the Malysian peninsula in southeast Asia(unfurtunelly i have never been there). this image was acquired on 23 february 2005 by Envisat with spatial resolution of 300 metres.
http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMCNF8ATME_index_1.html

Latest image of Nasa

Latest image of Nasa
The image shows Mount Ubinas Vulcano in Peru.
This volcano forced the evacuations of the sorrounding villages after eruption in the past 21 of april. the fumes caused respiratory problems and poisoned lifestock.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3

radio

it's very easy i get tired of earing the same music that is why i don't hear so much mainstrim music, i like diferent music, i like alternative music. i like hearing radio becuase i get tired of the cds with all the same groups, style and voice. radio for me is good because i don't have to do downloads or do a big investigation of what i like. i don't like the majority of the radios and i don't like the majority of the internet radios( too much american music and doesn't have portuguese music) that is why i am all the time earing to http://www.radarlisboa.fm/ a radio now avaiable online from my city Lisbon. i like the majority of the musics and i don't get tired of this musics so easally.
have a great sound where you are

the clash

do you know the clash?
who?
that is the answer that the majority of the time i hear from people, but then i say "should i stay or should i go " and everyboy say, oh, that one, yes i know and i like it!
i have to confess that a few years ago i was like that, and only after borroing the best of the clash i discovered how great this group was and after how important it was.
the clash is considered one of the greatest punk bands of all time. the clash are from the beggining of the british punk. if you listen to the lirics of this group you understand that they are very political and very concern about the problems of the british minorities and working classes, all because of their roots. the clash were also one the first bands to mix rock with reggae and other minorities associated music. that is why i think is important to divulge this great band.


"Formed in the summer of ‘76, The Clash rode the wave of the punk scene and went beyond it in so many ways. Under the guidance of manager Bernard Rhodes, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Keith Levene were on the lookout for a frontman. Joe Strummer was in a pub rock band called the 101ers. When he saw The Sex Pistols play live, he knew the 101ers days were over. He was approached by Bernard Rhodes and asked to leave his band and join a tough new band that would rival The Sex Pistols. Terry Chimes took the drum seat and the group became The Clash.
Malcolm Mclaren asked his ex business partner Bernard Rhodes for The Clash to join The Sex Pistols on the now legendary ‘Anarchy in the UK’ tour, by this time Keith Levene had left The Clash.
Their Eponymous debut album ‘The Clash’ was recorded over three weekends in ‘77. This pounding, high velocity record captured the urgency and passion of the times and received huge critical acclaim. The single ‘White Riot’ inspired by Joe and Paul’s participation in the Notting Hill Carnival riots was indicative of the social activist attitude that the band would have throughout their career.
At this time Topper Headon joined the line-up replacing Chimes, and in ‘78 they played what has become a hugely celebrated gig in front of 80,000 people at Victoria Park in east London for Rock Against Racism. The band hit the studio after this to record their second album ‘Give ‘Em Enough Rope’ over three months in the UK and the US with production by Sandy Pearlman. It reached No. 2 in the UK charts in ‘79. With a tougher expanded sound moving on from the immediate music of ‘The Clash’, this second album confirmed the band as the leading light of the Punk movement.
‘Give ‘Em Enough Rope’ catapulted the band onto the US scene and they set out on a tour of the states with Bo Diddley in support. The influences they experienced from this tour were apparent on their return to the UK from a new musical direction, and their classic rock and roll quiffed up look. Whilst in the studio in the US they recorded a cover of ‘I Fought The Law’ (Bobby Fuller Four), now regarded as a classic Clash track.
Other musical influences including dub, reggae, ska and jazz have always been at the heart of the band. When the band re-entered the studio in the summer of ‘79 under the guiding hand of producer Guy Stevens, many of these styles were found in the songs that the band created. These sessions produced ‘London Calling’, voted in Rolling stone magazine as ‘The Greatest record of the 80s’.
The band went back to the states for a six week tour taking Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and the Cramps in tow amongst others. They then embarked on a recording frenzy in New York, Jamaica and London using music styles from rap and funk to dub that the band picked up from their touring and travels.
The band recorded the single ‘Bankrobber’ but the record company would not release it in the UK, huge public demand meant the company had to capitulate. The wealth of material produced around these recording sessions created the triple album ‘Sandinista’, named after left wing freedom fighters in Nicaragua, which was released in 1980.The band insisted upon releasing this album at budget price and its success in the UK was matched and exceeded for the first time by the US.
1981 saw the re-appearance of Bernie Rhodes as manager who they had parted ways with in 1978. Back on board he organised a celebrated run of dates in New York’s Times Square. Threatened with closure by the fire department riots ensued, but to the joy of the fans the shows were allowed to continue. New York was alive with the sounds of funk, dance and early electro and the band listened with eager ears as ever and took many of these influences with them to the studio when they recorded ‘Combat Rock’. Produced by Glyn Johns the album spawned two of the bands most famous songs ‘Rock The Casbah’ and ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’. On release in 1982 the album reached No. 2 in the UK and jumped straight into the top ten in the US. The band then went on a massive stadium tour culminating in the historic show at Shea Stadium with the Who.
A period of change within the band ensued with Headon being sacked from the group to be replaced by Chimes again, who was subsequently replaced by Pete Howard. The band continued to tour but by 1983, after years of constant touring and recording the strain took its toll and Mick Jones was asked to leave the group, he went on to form Big Audio Dynamite. Nick Sheppard and Vince White were hired and the group continues to tour throughout 1984. The Clash then released ‘Cut The Crap’.
In 1986 The Clash split permanently, Strummer went on to collaborate with Jones on BAD’s album ’10 Upping St’ and wrote and produced his own solo material, Simonon went on to form Havana 3am. The Clash were never forgotten by fans and music pundits alike, constant speculation as to a re-union was always rife. In 1991 Levi’s used ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ in a TV commercial which launched the single to the No. 1 position in the UK when it was re-released by CBS, and introduced the band to a whole new generation of fans.
The Clash were a band that changed lives, with shows that literally ripped up auditoriums. Their political and social ideals were always represented within their songs and never wavered, they were innovative and never afraid to embrace different styles or learn from music of the past and present.
Sadly Joe Strummer died in December 2002, a tragic loss to the world of music; however The Clash will always live on through their music and in the memories of their fans. The band will also be inaugurated into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003 - a fitting legacy for a band who totally changed the face of music for their generation and continue to inspire and excite to this day. "source
http://www.theclashonline.com/ biography

My first camp

in the day of my birthday i decided to do a totaly diferent day and go to the place where all my workcamp. i was 16 years old and nowhere to go and nothing to do in the summer hollidays so i applyed for my first camp. the chosen place was Vila Viçosa, that was not very far away from almada and i could go from Almada there by bus. it was the first time i travelled alone to somewhere and i was all by mishelf. i choosed also this camp because of the nature of the work, food and place where i would stay was everything perfect and in the end the camp was really great.
so in my birthday day i went back to vila viçosa after 9 years. i was in the association that organised the camp and talked with the guy responsible for all those things, he didn't remember me but he remember all the great things we had done, it was also good to talk about the problems that they have now, knowwhat happened to some people along this time and see pictures of me with 16 years old. i didn't recognise my self.
the day continued goign well, and i was invited for lunch in a restaurant that i was 9 years ago. i went to the castle where i still remember seeing a lot dead hunting animals, going to the gardens where i talked with my friends, the places where i danced for the first time and drunk a lot of "abafado", sweet wine. i was in front of the palace where i played games. i remember it was there that my musical culture started growing, the first time i heard pixies, tithersticks and viollent femmes. i was just a kid and everything there changed my life.
this year my birthday day was really special.

Snow

A long time ago in winter i decided to go east of my country and buy olive oil. this was in a day that will be forever on my mind, it was the day that there was snow in Lisbon, the last time was about 40 years ago.
This picture was taken in the dry plain alentejo near the calm town of Estremoz not far away from the Spanish border.
It's very rare to snow in Portugal, normally only snows in some certain areas and not in all country. On the south and near the coast is really, really rare.

international crisis group month report

Last month was a dark month in the world, the political situation got worst in 13 countries and only got better in 2 countries. there is a very high risk of conflict in nigeria, somalia and sri lanka.
but there is also a peace oportunity in Nepal.

Afghanistan:"Taliban "spring offensive" saw increased suicide attacks and bombings in south and east; more expected amidst transition from U.S. control to NATO in south. U.S., UK and national security forces launched its largest operation since 2001 in eastern Kunar province. Heavy fighting erupted in Kandahar as international and local forces clashed with anti-government elements: casualties included 6 police, several civilians and reportedly over 40 Taliban; 4 Canadian soldiers killed in roadside blast 22 April. Earlier 14 militants killed in attacks on checkpoints in Zabul province while 5 Afghan health workers killed in Badghis province. Suspected suicide bombers targeted Italian base in Herat - killing 4 - and U.S. bases at Bagram and in Helmand province. Voting on Cabinet confirmation took place 20 April in lower house of National Assembly. New foreign and defence ministers won vote of confidence in perceived government victory; transport and commerce ministers among 5 rejected".

Chad : The rebels atacked the capital and the goverment accused Sudan of backing up the rebels and cut diplomatic ties with this country and shut the borders. The president threath to shut pipelines if not given acess to funds to buy weapons and at same time France recognised the country goverment.

Egypt:3 explosions in Dahab resort in Sinai 24 April killed 18. No group claimed responsibility but same organisation that carried out 2004 Taba and 2005 Sharm El-Sheikh attacks suspected: 1 suspect killed during police operation 30 April. 2 suicide bombers killed in further attacks on Multinational Force and Observers post in northern Sinai 26 April. Earlier, sectarian
attacks on 3 churches in Alexandria killed 1 and sparked 3 days of protests by Coptic Christians and violent clashes 14-16 April. Hundreds arrested, but government criticised for initially downplaying attacks. 2 judges who had spoken out against
irregularities in 2005 parliamentary elections summoned to 27 April disciplinary tribunal; hearing adjourned to 11 May; police arrested and beat activists protesting summoning. Interior ministry announced over 900 Jamaa Islamiyya members released from prison. President Mubarek pushed through parliament 2-year extension on 1981 emergency law allowing indefinite detention of prisoners 30 April. Wafd party survival in balance after factions clashed over leadership in Cairo 1 April following attempt by ousted party president Noman Gomaa to seize party headquarters by force.

Guinea : a power sturgle inside the president cabinet.

Iran IAEA said Tehran had successfully produced enriched uranium but had defied UN Security Council’s 28 April deadline to stop process. U.S. said would seek new UNSC resolution requiring Iran to stop enrichment or face sanctions. Rhetoric on both sides heated up. with U.S. warning of consequences of continued Iranian defiance, and Tehran vowing to strike U.S. interests around the world if attacked. UNSC permanent members and Germany to meet 2 May to discuss next steps. Iranian forces reportedly shelled Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq.

Israel/Occupied TerritoriesViolence escalated between Israelis and Palestinians while tensions rose between Hamas and Fatah. Islamic Jihad suicide bombing in Tel Aviv 17 April killed 9. Hamas government called blast “self-defence” and “natural result” of continued Israeli depredations, leading to international condemnation. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes on Gaza reportedly killed at least 6 children and several militants, in reprisals over continued Qassam rocket attacks. EU and U.S. suspended funding for Hamas-led government but Gulf
countries and Iran pledged over $200 million, and Arab League said to be preparing to transfer 2-months’ wages direct to government employees. Tensions between Hamas and Fatah worsened after new Palestinian Interior Minister Said Siyam announced formation of shadow security force comprising members of militant groups to be led by militant faction leader Jamal Abu Samhadana. Mahmoud Abbas issued presidential decree nullifying proposal, leading to angry Hamas response and clashes between supporters of both sides. New Israeli coalition set to take power, composed of centrist Kadima, left-leaning Labour, ultra-Orthodox Shas and Pensioners’ parties.

Kashmir:Upsurge in attacks by separatists in first major violence since November 2005. 22 Hindu villagers killed by militants in Doda district 1 May. Wave of Srinagar grenade attacks 14 April and gunbattles in Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir killed at least 17. Kashmiri radical separatist groups claimed responsibility. Senior opposition politician Ali Mohammad Naik wounded and 2 guards killed 17 April in attack claimed by Islamic Front militants. By-elections held for 4 seats for Jammu and Kashmir state assembly. 3 politicians reportedly killed by insurgents. Indian PM Manmohan Singh to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders in New Delhi early May.

Kyrgyzstan "President Bakiyev came under increasing pressure to deal with crime and corruption after prominent pro-democracy activist Edil Baisalov seriously injured in attack by unknown assailant. Baisalov had organised demonstration against criminalisation of politics ahead of 9 April parliamentary by-elections in which alleged organised crime bosses were candidates, including Ryspek Akmatbayev (who won despite questions over legality of his candidacy). Alliance of opposition politicians and NGOs issued 18 April ultimatum to president to tackle problems or resign. 29 April opposition rally ended peacefully after Bakiyev unexpectedly addressed crowd and appealed for patience. President threatened closure of U.S. Manas airbase if new agreement on rent payments not reached by June. "

Myanmar/Burma :Army intensified offensive against Karen communities near new capital Pyinmana and along Thai border: thousands reportedly displaced. U.S. condemned campaign, saying military regime threat to region. Ruling junta threatened National League for Democracy with dissolution, claiming links to terrorist actions. Series of small blasts targeting Yangon infrastructure 20 April came week after government called exiled pro-democracy groups terrorists. ASEAN ministers agreed to continue policy of engagement despite lack of progress on "roadmap to democracy", and failure of ASEAN envoy’s March visit.

Pakistan Pakistan Security situation continued to deteriorate as at least 57 killed in worst terrorist attack in Karachi’s history: suicide bombing of congregation of Sunnis celebrating Eid Milad festival killed entire leadership of Sunni Tehrik group, as well as many leaders of Jamaat Ulema Pakistan (JUP) - both Barelvi religious parties; JUP also partner in Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal 6-party religious alliance. Responsibility for blast unclear: observers suggested intra-Sunni rivalry, others, Deobandi extremist groups. Pro-Taliban militants attacked paramilitary troops near Miranshah, main town of North Waziristan region 20 April reportedly killing 7.

Solomon Islands PM Snyder Rini resigned after 8-day tenure marked by violent riots in capital, Honiara. Demonstrators claimed Rini, elected via secret ballot by newly elected members of parliament 18 April, too closely linked to previous tainted administration, and had used money from Taiwanese or Chinese sources - in context of continuing cross-Strait diplomatic battle over recognition of Taiwan - to bribe his win. Riots targeted Chinatown and left large areas in ruins. Government implemented curfew while Australian-led peacekeeping force - bolstered by additional 110 troops - patrolled city to prevent further violence. Curfew lifted 27 April, with new elections due first week May.

Sri Lanka Fears of return to full-scale civil war after major upsurge in violence left over 100 dead, and with both government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) threatening immediate retaliation for further attacks. Government launched air strikes against Tamil positions after suicide bomber injured army chief and killed 10 in Colombo 25 April. Bombing followed 2 weeks of violent attacks against civilians and inter-communal rioting between Sinhalese and Tamils. Before suicide bombing, LTTE had "indefinitely postponed" scheduled second round Geneva talks with government, citing violence against Tamil civilians and restrictions on movement of LTTE leaders.

Timor-Leste Protest against government sacking of 600 soldiers turned violent 28 April, at least 2 killed; was latest in series of demonstrations by troops - many from west of country - claiming discrimination in military.

The sorce of this info is crisis international and was not writen by me.

almada tour

my tour in Almada started in the 25 of april avenue( the day that portugal became a democracy again) the most important artery of the city. the stile of this avenue is very 70s in one part and very 50s in the other.





the second stop was the center point of the city, near S.joao baptista square or also known has red square. its here where you can find two schools a urban garden and the library and also Macdonalds.






the 3rd stop was near the work courthouse and the garden. it's here a good example that is not uncomun to to see comunist symbol everywhere. the text in the statue says "the comunists only work for the hapiness of the people and don't want nothing in exange and i have to be proud to be part of this party".



the 4th stop was in rua capitao leitao the street that used to be the most impotant one. here you can find the cinema that is loosing importance for the big cinema groups) and the old part of almada. this is the important streets to find bars. in the end of the street you find the old city hall and the place where i used to do some theater.



the last stop was to see the lisbon view, near by you have a elevator and the museum of modern art of Almada.

so this is my city

almada

one day a long time ago i decided to go for a walk in my hometown.
Almada is located in the southside of tagus river, the biggest river in the iberian peninsula, and is conected to Lisbon by the 25 of April bridge.
almada is nowadays the biggest city in the southside of river tagus with 156746 inhabitants and also the biggest comunist city in all country. The majority of the population work in Lisbon and in the other citys outside of the Almada. The most important activitys in Almada are connected to 3 sector, comerce and turism. it's in Almada that there are one of the favorite lisbon metropolitan beaches(costa da caparica) and cristo rei, a small replica from the original in Brasil. here you can also find the arriba fossil protected scenary.
Almada is very old and the name come from the arab and means "the mine". almada growth was always conected to the river and to Lisbon. almada had an important riverin port and drydocks, importance that with the passing of year desapeared almost compleately.
the major boom of population to Almada was after the construction of the 25 of april bridge, where people moved to the southside of the river hoping to buy cheapear houses, and also because it was in almada the biggest drydock in europe( this drydock doesn't exist anymore). The drydock explains the reason why the city is comunism being directly connected with working forces.
i like to live in almada but i have to confess that could be better.